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Diversity, Inclusion & Welcoming Events

 

 

 

Start Date Title Description Tags
Feb 14, 2024 12:00 PM How We Rise: Lessons from Rochester’s Black History What can Rochester's local Black history teach us about how to center equity and racial justice today? What role does history play in how we understand and confront current issues of equity? Andre Crockett Sr. and Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara explore lessons from the new traveling exhibit Still We Rise: Rochester's Black Legacy. The exhibit is a showcase of the key leaders and events that have shaped the local community and its history. ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'CMRC', 'key')
Feb 13, 2024 10:00 AM RPS Feb 2024 Family Engagement Meeting School Counseling and Family Engagement, with a presentation from Alex Higano, Lead School Counselor, and perspectives from RPS school counselors. ('RPS', 'diversity', 'rps', 'community', 'key', 'education')
Feb 12, 2024 08:00 AM Rochester's Black Legacy: A Traveling Exhibit - Still We Rise Nationwide, Black History Month will be celebrated in February 2024. This presents a rich opportunity for the Rochester community to honor its local and regional Black history and to celebrate the vibrant and dynamic community that makes up Rochester today. ('NAACP', 'Diversity')
Feb 10, 2024 11:00 AM Black History Month - Renaissance of Black Arts in Rochester ('diversity', 'education', 'NAACP')
Feb 10, 2024 10:00 AM Introducing You to You A Free Self Discovery Workshop ('mental health', 'Diversity', 'MN Compass', 'Health', 'CMRC')
Feb 03, 2024 11:00 AM From "Waste to Wealth" to "African Nouveau" NAACP 2024 Black History Speaker Series ('diversity', 'NAACP', 'community')
Jan 25, 2024 06:00 PM Financial Wellbeing: Strategies for building black wealth The Black Wealth Community Education Series is a free, virtual, and live resource for all while centering Black people and Black experiences. This series will cover topics such as economic justice, housing, health and healing, and more! This is a Black-centered space where the Open Road Fund prioritizes uplifting Black voices and safety. ('Diversity',)
Jan 15, 2024 08:30 AM January 2024 Annual MLK "We Have A Dream" Virtual Celebration The Rochester Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is hosting a slate of NAACP programming on Monday, January 15th, 2024, for MLK Day, and we invite the Rochester community to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ('NAACP', 'Diversity', 'Diversity Council')
Jan 10, 2024 12:00 PM Advancing Equity in the Built Environment 1. An overview of the City of Rochester’s and Destination Medical Center's adopted targeted business and workforce participation goals for 2024; 2. Equity in the Built Environment Program ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'Housing', 'key', 'CMRC')
Jan 09, 2024 10:00 AM RPS January 2024 Family Engagement Meeting Welcome: Meet parents and staff in person, enjoy refreshments (9:45-10:15) • Snapshot Spotlight on Host Site: Sunset Terrace Family Engagement Highlights (10:15-10:30) • Culturally responsive "Fostering Family Partnerships" interactive workshop led by Beth Martinez, Parent Advocate at Cradle to Career, and Khadija Ali, Parent Advisory Council Member and co-founder of Pamoja Women. (10:30-11:30) • Optional Tour of Sunset Terrace (11:30-11:45) ('RPS', 'diversity', 'rps', 'community', 'key', 'education')
Dec 12, 2023 05:30 PM Chaunukah with Chabad of Southern Minnesota ('faith', 'Diversity', 'community')
Dec 11, 2023 12:00 PM Mayo Clinic DEI: Pathway Programs Part II ('Diversity',)
Dec 09, 2023 11:30 AM Journie: Graduation Class of Fall 2023 We have reached a milestone in our journey 🎓 RSVP to join us: [email protected]. Our youth who suffer trauma in various ways have successfully completed the 8 Steps to Promotion Workshop. The workshop is an 8 week program that focuses on life skills. Despite the challenges they continue to face at home and in society they continued dedicating their time to personal growth. Because of that, we want to acknowledge their hard work and efforts by giving them memorable experiences outside of their local neighborhoods to expand their creative conscience. An investment in our youth is an investment in our future. Help us celebrate our local future leaders. Support our graduate field trip by donating to our GiveMN fundraiser link in our bio. This program is made possible by our amazing sponsors at @uwolmsted @125livemn ('youth', 'Education', 'diversity', 'key')
Dec 01, 2023 10:00 PM December 2023 Bi-Monthly Community Co-Design Meeting (By Invitation) We will be 1) offering updates on co-design projects and training, 2) sharing guidance and tools for co-design project preparation (what questions to ask, how much will it cost, how long will it take, etc), and 3) discuss future co-design opportunities, barriers, and ways we might be able to support them/you. ('DMC', 'diversity', 'openbeam', 'key', 'co-design')
Nov 22, 2023 12:00 PM Business Practices – a key lever to drive equity in the workplace and community Garfield Bowen Vice President of Social & Environmental Justice, 3M ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'CMRC', 'key')
Nov 14, 2023 10:00 AM RPS November 2023 Family Engagement Meeting at Franklin and MAF Elementary School Thank you to Principal Sam Pearson for welcoming us, to staff and families at Franklin for hosting our meeting, and special thanks to Jennine Staven (Franklin Family Engagement Liaison) and Intisar Khan (Franklin Community Schools Site Facilitator), who presented on Franklin Family Engagement & Community Schools Highlights. ('RPS', 'education', 'diversity', 'community')
Nov 11, 2023 04:30 PM ICAM: DIWALI CULTURAL EVENT Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota (ICAM), with the support of the Hindu Samaj Temple, will be organizing in person Diwali cultural event this year. This vibrant affair combines Music, Dance, and other attractions that have come to be intrinsically associated with Diwali. ('Diversity', 'Culture', 'openbeam', 'key', 'CMRC')
Nov 04, 2023 05:00 PM Rochester Branch of the NAACP, 2023 Freedom Fund Banquet - Thriving Together Uniting community, leaders, activists, and experts of all ages to build a brighter future for all of us. ('diversity', 'NAACP', 'openbeam')
Nov 03, 2023 12:00 PM CMRC Special Meeting: BUILD Up Trust Open meeting to gauge interests in coordinating NIH Build Up Trust Grant or future similar opportunities. ('mental health', 'Diversity', 'health', 'openbeam', 'key', 'CMRC')
Oct 28, 2023 11:00 AM Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage: Rochester Listening Session Discuss the State of Black and African Communities in Rochester. Open to the Public ('Diversity', 'cmrc', 'governance')
Document Actions

Two types of event information being shared in the following:

1. A list of Beam aware upcoming community events of all types. 

2. A list of noteworthy past events that have one or more of the following contents: presentation slides, video recordings as well as takeaways. 

Upcoming Events
Oct 2026 RPS Family Engagement Oct 06, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM — Virtual
2026 Rochester General Election City Council and Mayor Candidate Forum Oct 06, 2026 06:30 PM - 09:00 PM — Christ United Methodist Church
AARP Election 2026 - What Voters Need to Know Oct 07, 2026 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM — Cascade Meadows Wetlands & Environmental Science Center, 2900 19th Street Northwest, Rochester, MN, 55901
Managing Difficult Conversations with Constituents - Rochester Oct 13, 2026 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM — Rochester Public Utilities 4000 East River Road Northeast, #2813
Congressional Debate Oct 13, 2026 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM — KAAL Digital Platforms
Finding Community in Our Differences - Rochester Oct 13, 2026 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM — RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Road East, Rochester, MN 55904
Cradle to Career 2026 Annual Education Summit Oct 20, 2026 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM — Mayo Civic Center
America: 250 and Beyond Oct 24, 2026 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM — Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake
NCRC - Faith & Community Expos Oct 29, 2026 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM — Rochester International Event Center
Upcoming events…
Community News

This panel displays the latest community news. For a standalone view please click this LINK.



Annual Action Plan - Community Development Block Grant Allocations

  • 2027 Annual Action Plan - Community Development Block Grant Allocations; Video Recording, Presentation 
  • 2026 Annual Action Plan - Community Development Block Grant Allocations; Video Recording, Presentation 

Last Updated September 20, 2026



Sherman Mixed Housing Mayo Civic Center Parking Lot

Sep 18, 2026: Ground Breaking

July 6, 2026: City Council Meeting - Extension of agreement

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting: Status Update

June 3, 2024 City Council Meeting 

Council action is requested to continue development negotiations with Sherman Associates and conditionally approve development assistance of up to $13,000,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance and up to $3,000,000 in DMC General State Infrastructure Aid.  

Last Updated September 18, 2026



Momentum 30

Four pillars to drive Momentum 30

Case for Investment

Last Updated September 17, 2026



2027 Olmsted County Tax Levy

Sep 16, 2026 Press Release: Preliminary 2027 Olmsted County levy: $151,350,166, Preliminary 2027 Olmsted County billed levy: $149,769,949 (amount to be billed to taxpayers due to 2026 levy overpayment being applied to 2027).

Last Updated September 16, 2026



Braver Angels News

  • 2026 - Oct events: Sep 2026 Newsletter; Aug 2026 Newsletter, Mar 6 Volunteer Opportunities, Feb Citizens Commission on Immigration Outreach
  • 2025, 24 - Mar 2025 Newsletters: End birthright citizenship? Apr 2024 Braver Angels Newsletter: 2024 National Convention; National Debate: Should we be colorblind?

 

Last Updated September 16, 2026



RPS Family Engagement Opportunities

Sep 2026: Care Giver & Parent Empowerment (CAPE); Supporting Youth: Mental Health  

Apr 2026 Family Engagement Policy Meetings

Jan 2026 Announcements: Family Engagement, Caregiver and Parent Empowerment 

Last Updated September 11, 2026



Reimagining 6th Ave West - Project Update

Sep 9, 2026 City Council Update

Mar 2 2025 City Council: Memo, Video, Presentation

Sep 2025 Press Release: City of Rochester Launches “Reimagining Sixth Avenue W” to Reconnect Downtown Mobility Network

Last Updated September 10, 2026



CHATEAU THEATRE OPERATING ANALYSIS UPDATE

Sep 9, 2026 City Council Action Chateau Strategy

Aug 10, 2026 City Council Study Session  Council to review planning-level capital investment needs identified through both the City’s facility assessment and the Legends Global operating analysis.

Last Updated September 08, 2026



Director of Equity & Organizational Development Introduction

 Sep 2026: Introducing Crystal Fairchild, Director of Equity & Organizational Development

 

Last Updated September 06, 2026



6th Street Bridge RAISE grant

Aug 2026: Revised to "Up to $19.9 million from USDOT." 

Aug 2022: The City of Rochester has been awarded a $19.9 million dollar United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant.

Last Updated August 24, 2026



Rochester Public Transit

Aug 23, 2026 City Council Study Session: Transit Financial Sustainability - Rochester Public Transit (RPT) is currently operating under financial conditions that are not sustainable over the long term.

Last Updated August 24, 2026



Rochester, MN Supplemental Budget

2026 Aug 23 City Council Study Session, Apr 13 City Council Study Session on 2027 Supplemental Budget

2022-08-22 City Council Study Session on 2023 Supplemental Budget

Last Updated August 23, 2026



Economic Vibrancy & Growth Management

Aug 24, 2026 City Council Study Session: Economic Mobility Updates

Sep 2024 City Council Study Session: City teammates providing an update on this work, specifically regarding legacy public infrastructure projects, Unbound, infrastructure investments and regulatory milestones.  

Last Updated August 23, 2026



OpenBeam events log

Sep 2026: Metrics LINKS

Aug 2026: Tech related info

Aug 2026 Notable Beam Events Log: Topics Include: Q2 Real Estate Stats; Workforce Housing & Regional Workforce Trends; Building Trust in an Age of Skepticism; Land Use Revenue Analysis; Tax Increment Financial Studies

Last Updated August 21, 2026



Broadway 309-317 Appeal of Certificate for Appropriateness

Aug 17, 2026 City Council Meeting: In a 4-3 vote, the Rochester City Council overturned a decision by the Heritage Preservation Commission to reject a redevelopment proposal for five historic buildings on the 300 block of South Broadway Avenue.

Aug, 2026  PB reporting

Last Updated August 20, 2026



Transportation: ROCOG Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

2027-2030: Transportation Improvement Plan, Press Release

2024 - 2027 Transportation Plan 

2023 - 2026 Transportation Plan: The Rochester-Olmsted Council of Governments (ROCOG) has released a draft of the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), for a 30-day public comment period. 

Last Updated August 18, 2026



National Community Survey

2026 City Survey: Open to residents responses

2024 and 2022 NCS Surveys: Presentation/Reports

2018 City Survey.: June 2018 Resident Survey Summary

Last Updated August 17, 2026



SBDC Rochester, Spring 2025

Sep 2026: Small Business Support Series

SBDC Apr 2025 Business Workshops...SBDC Day and workshop opportunities: "If you have an upcoming business event or celebration, please let us know! We would love to stop by for a RIBBON CUTIING for any of your business." milestones:

 

Last Updated August 14, 2026



Homelessness Dashboard, Street Medicine, The TABLE and Any Path Home Info

Aug 14, 2026:Homeless Info: Any Path Home Dashboard; Mayo Clinic Street Medicine

Mar 2026 Rochester Area Housing Alliance: Any Path Home and The TABLE

 

Last Updated August 14, 2026



Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Barriers Study

Aug 10, City Council Study Session: Equitable Economic Development

Apr 2025 City Council Study Session:  (1) DBE Study Session to City Council April 17, 2023 , (2) Memo to DMCC Board; 

Last Updated August 13, 2026